Even in the midst of a global pandemic, love still carries on and celebrations still take place though things may look a bit differently. I got to take part in a special moment for my very own sister, the first in the family to get engaged! 

 For months ahead, we worked together with Rocco to set up a surprise proposal and put together the pieces to still have a meaningful socially distanced celebration with loved ones. 

Rocco met Rachel while he was on a work project in San Diego and joined a group hangout with mutual friends where she caught his eye. He decided to shoot his shot and ask her on a date after. The “rest is history” in his words! 

 He knew that he wanted to propose around the turn of the year when he “made an internal commitment and communicated to Rachel [his] vision for [their] future” 

In describing their relationship he said, “I think we have a good partnership and complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses fairly well. I would describe us as a very intentional, fun-loving, adventurous couple who shares the same values, ideals, goals, and dreams. My favorite thing is that we are both God-fearing individuals who have a heart for moving the kingdom forward overseas.”

Rocco planned to propose to Rachel with a surprise picnic with special elements like a basket of their favorite picnic foods and their very own adventure scrapbook.

 It’s funny because I remember having a casual sister conversation with Rachel in 2018 (which I secretly recorded) about said adventure book, where she described it being full of pictures and memories that she was hoping to have when getting proposed to. It was great to watch the process come alive, and crazy to think of how fast time flies! 

 On the day of the proposal, Rocco had asked a few of her close friends to lead her to a beautiful semi-enclosed location he had set up and scoped out in the garden. Family was hidden behind trees to view the proposal at a distance. 

 When Rachel saw the setup she was definitely taken by surprise, and said “OHHH NOOOOOO!” due to an outfit mishap... HAHA. What a funny girl. 

After she got situated next to Rocco, they began looking through the scrapbook together, going through the different special memories they had and reminiscing about their relationship. 

As they neared the last page, the suspense built up and family came forth in excitement to watch Rocco get on his knees and propose to Rachel.

After she said “yes” there were lots of congratulations, pictures, and excited recapping of the day. 

Little did she know, that there was a drive-by celebration waiting for her at home, which family and friends left to go to, as we spent time taking a few photos around the garden. 

 It was a really joyful time as she and Rocco saw the cars lined up and got to celebrate this milestone and connect with those who were a part of their lives.

Following a dinner, a surprise zoom call took place and then the two viewed a video Rocco had made to end the night. 

 It is truly surreal that the time has come for this milestone to take place. To Rocco and Rachel-congrats! I’m grateful to be a part of your lives and praying for you both as you begin this new adventure and journey towards marriage.  

With Love,

Anna

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Scrapbook Cover Design: Tiffany Yeh // Cake & Custom Cookies: Janice Wong